Internship Philosophy
Each intern merits the effort of time and energy from the internship and preceptors to become a competent and proficient practitioner.  In this university-based program, the intern has a plethora of resources and opportunities that will enrich their learning.  The program believes the interns will benefit from a diverse academic setting where every intern is recognized as an integral member of the team.

Many learning experiences are planned for the intern to broaden his/her scope of the field of dietetics in addition to the information technology emphasis.  In the current dynamic health care sector, the intern needs to be aware of the many possibilities in his/her career as society has expressed a need for more and varied services.  The role of "student" opens doors for the intern to observe, to question, and to evaluate these possibilities.  Internship experiences will enable interns to respond to and manage environmental changes now and in the future. The internship believes the exposure of interns to many different career opportunities is an asset of the program.

Though supervised practice experience at many off-site facilities, the intern enhances his/her opportunity to meet role models and possible mentors.  The internship believes its preceptors serve as role models and mentors who embody our belief of competent and dedicated practitioners.  Further varies exposures assist interns in developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, effective communication skills and collaborative, team-building skills.

There are not enough dietitians to fill vacancies in the Maryland-DC area in hospitals, long term care facilities and community clinics.  A continuing need exists to train skilled, entry-level dietitians to meet community needs.

At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will have benefited from working with a diverse group of practitioners, developed an initial dietetic network and enter the field as a well-rounded practitioner who appreciates the importance of active career involvement.

Internship Program Outcomes that are monitored:

1. Prepare dietetic interns to become competent Dietitians.
2. Prepare dietetic internship graduates to meet the employment needs of Maryland-DC area employers.
3. Enhance dietetic intern's application of information technology to applied nutrition, food safety and health.
4. Use program resources effectively and efficiently.

Monitoring of Goal Achievement :

1. For Goal One - 90% of interns over a five-year period are expected to graduate from the internship program as per schedule. Within six months of program completion at least 80% of internship program graduates working in nutrition related jobs will have passed the CDR examination and/or be enrolled in further advanced education. Internship graduates over a five-year period will achieve a CDR examination passage rate of at least 80% on first examination.

2. For Goal Two - A Maryland-DC employer will employ at least 25% of each graduating internship class for a period of at least two years. Internship graduates will achieve a satisfactory rating for entry-level practice.

3. For Goal Three - 95% of interns will complete Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) information specialist training at meets or exceeds expectations. 95% of inter professional portfolio (personal web site) will meet or exceed expectations. 95% of employers will indicate internship graduates have above average Information Technology Skills.

4. For Goal Four - When surveyed interns will indicate they perceive resources were utilized effectively to support them. Annually the program will update at least 10% of homework, assignments, readings and/or projects in clinical, community and food service areas.